Is shisha a drug?
Most shisha tobacco contains nicotine, which is classified as a drug.
What is a drug?
A drug is any substance that changes how your body or mind works.
Drugs can be legal (like alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine in tobacco products) or illegal (like cannabis, cocaine, heroin, or ecstasy).
Nicotine is a psychoactive drug that affects the brain and nervous system. It can make you feel relaxed or more alert, but over time it causes dependence and addiction. It also raises your heart rate and blood pressure.
Even though tobacco is legal in the UK, it's still considered a drug product because of the powerful effects of nicotine on the body and mind.
Is shisha haram or forbidden?
People from Muslim backgrounds often want to know if shisha is haram or forbidden.
Islamic scholars generally discourage or forbid things that are harmful to health or addictive. Because shisha usually contains nicotine (a drug) and produces harmful smoke, many consider it haram.
Views can vary between scholars and communities. If you're unsure, it can be helpful to speak with someone you trust in your community or consult guidance from local religious authorities.
Want more information?
For more details on health risks, second-hand smoke, and safer smoking advice, visit our Shisha & Hookah Harm Reduction Page.
